In this week's edition of "Inside the Wigwam," IBI Tribe beat reporter Jim "The Birdman" Berdysz wonders if fans are starting to believe in the Indians again after a hot start to the month of May. He goes By the Numbers and gives the latest news and notes surrounding the big league club. John Axford out as closer? Don't miss Birdman's Final Call on Francona's tough decision to go to a closer by committee.

The Indians did something Wednesday they haven't accomplished since facing Babe Ruth and the New York Yankees almost 86 years ago. Tallying 15 runs on 22 hits, Cleveland blew past Toronto 15-4 to even up the three-game series in Canada at one game apiece. Six of the nine hitters in the Tribe lineup posted multi-hit games, including five-hit performances from David Murphy and Lonnie Chisenhall. Join IBI Indians beat reporter Jim Berdysz as he gives his second thoughts on the offensive surge.

Corey Kluber continues to show his potential as a legitimate front of the rotation arm. In this MLB News and Notes segment, the IBI's Andy Nichols will be giving occasional reports on the latest news and rumors throughout the MLB. Today's piece focuses on a serious blow to the pitching depth in Texas, an injury to a key member of the Rays, and more.

The Indians have pitched better than their team ERA suggest this season. Thanks to a defense so extreme as to be the worst in the league by a large margin, the pitching has been greatly affected and resulted in the second-largest ERA-FIP gap in the league behind only the very sad Diamondbacks. The IBI's John Grimm breaks it all down in his latest...

The Cleveland Indians lost to the Toronto Blue Jays last night by a score of 5-4. Justin Masterson couldn’t figure out a couple batters and exited having given up 5 runs. The Indians fell behind 5-1 and in the midst of scratching back to a one-run deficit, they lost many chances to complete the comeback, but didn’t get it done. The IBI's Charlie Adams reviews the game and goes into great detail about the baserunning error that Carlos Santana made on the game's most critical play.

Injuries continue to dominate the headlines in the early going of the 2014 season. In this MLB News and Notes segment, the IBI's Andy Nichols will be giving occasional reports on the latest news and rumors throughout the MLB. Today's piece focuses on a Yankees' star going down, the recommendation for Jose Fernandez's elbow injury, and more.

We are just a few games from the "quarter pole," but the IBI's Kevin Dean decided to get the jump on it since there was no game to write about on Monday. He takes a look at the good (the starting pitching, Allen-Shaw, etc), the bad (Axford, Santana, etc) and the ugly (the defense) in his latest.

The Indians are about to open a series in Canada against Toronto. Will they continue their winning ways? In this MLB News and Notes segment, the IBI's Andrew Zajac will be giving occasional reports on the latest news and rumors throughout the MLB. Today's piece focuses on Jose Fernandez's worrisome injury, Baltimore could be in the hunt for catching, and more.

Michael Bourn was brought in to be firestarter at the top of the Indians lineup, steal a lot of bases and play exceptional defense in center field. That's what the Indians him paid $48 million for - and potentially $60 million. With Nyjer Morgan up and doing exactly what was hoped of Bourn, it does bring about some questions if Morgan keeps up his good play and Bourn continues to struggle with performance and injuries. The IBI's Tony Lastoria touches on all of that and also talks about Josh Tomlin's nice showing to date, Axford's removal from closer, Chisenhall's growth and more.

The Indians have now won three straight series after taking the finale of their three-game set against the Rays. Strong starting pitching and just enough offense has attributed to the Tribe winning seven out of their last 10 games. The IBI's Jake Dungan gives his thoughts on Sunday's victory, including Tomlin's strong start, Morgan establishing himself as a key contributor and the first post-Axford save opportunity.

The Indians celebrated Mother's day with a much needed series victory on Sunday. In this MLB News and Notes segment, the IBI's Andy Nichols will be giving occasional reports on the latest news and rumors throughout the MLB. Today's piece focuses on a big blow to the Texas rotation, the Yankees' plans at shortstop, and more.

In any baseball season, there will come games like Saturday's contest against Tampa Bay - contests whose sole highlight is its absence. Such was the case when Zach McAllister took the hill; the brightest moment of the night was its conclusion, the clement words: It's Over. The IBI's John Grimm provides some Second Thoughts on the game and other things going on with the Indians.

The lead-up to the 7 PM contest between Cleveland and Tampa Bay saw the Cleveland sports Twitter cosmos was astir regarding a rather different team. In the aftermath of drafting a certain Mr. John Paul (a pope, possibly, or a papal candidate) as well as the news of a possible suspension to a star wide receiver, frantic emotions defined the zeitgeist - the roller-coaster trajectory to the Indians 6-3 win was no less viscerally gripping. The IBI's John Grimm provides his second thoughts on the Indians' fourth straight win.

As the Indians are heating up, so is the weather! In this MLB News and Notes segment, the IBI's Andrew Zajac will be giving occasional reports on the latest news and rumors throughout the MLB. Today's piece focuses on the possibility of a USA vs. Japan series, an update on Jason Kipnis, two former Indians find a new home, and more.

The Indians have had plenty of great pitching as their starters have compiled a sub-2 ERA during this seven-game span. The Tribe managed to win five games and take both series, but one could argue that they could be on a seven-game win streak right now. The lineup made up for lost time on Thursday, however, as they pushed nine runs across in a charge led primarily by Cabrera and Brantley. The IBI's Jake Dungan gives his thoughts on the win.

It was a light news day around the league on Thursday, but there were still some noteworthy transactions. One such transaction was the announcement that catcher Matt Treanor has opted to retire. In addition to that news, the IBI's Tony Lastoria notes how the Giants are looking to extend Sergio Romo and much more.

Things couldn't get any smoother for Tribe hitter Thursday afternoon. Behind another great starting pitching performance this time by ace Justin Masterson, Indians bats exploded for nine runs on 15 hits, topping Minnesota, 9-4. Notching their third straight victory, Cleveland (16-19) wins the four-game series with the Twins, now having won five of their last seven ballgames. Join IBI Tribe beat reporter Jim Berdysz as he recaps the action from Progressive Field.

It’s been a long time since we’ve had one of these wins. Mike Aviles’ hit in the bottom of the ninth inning (with two outs!) gave the Indians their first walk off win of the year. The IBI's Michael Goodman shares his Second Thoughts on the walk off magic, the struggling bats, evaluates Danny Salazar's performances and much more.

History is known to repeat itself. For Indians second baseman Mike Aviles, history did just that Wednesday night at Progressive Field. Knotted up in a 3-3 tie in the bottom of the ninth, Aviles lined a walk-off single to center field off Twins reliever Casey Fien to give the Tribe a 4-3 win over Minnesota. A much needed victory for Cleveland (15-19), having won two straight in the four-game series. Join IBI Indians beat reporter Jim Berdysz as he recaps the first walk-off win of the season.

Available IBI Books

The 2014 Cleveland Indians Baseball Insider book featuring the Indians' Top 100 Prospects and more is now available. Also, previous editions from 2008-2012 are also available at a discounted rate. Just click on the book image for more information. Thanks again for all the support!